The Perry Pledge: Spending Cuts, No New Taxes

Governor Rick Perry is calling on state lawmakers to cut spending and keep taxes level in the state’s next budget. Perry unveiled details of the “Texas Budget Compact” in Houston today.

“By keeping this tight rein on spending, we can build a more solid, predictable economy that doesn’t put off tough decisions until, in some cases, it’s too late to deal with them,” Gov. Perry told the crowd in Houston. In details noted on the Governor’s website, Perry also called to “preserve a strong Rainy Day Fund” and “cut unnecessary and duplicative government programs and agencies.”

Reaction to the proposal has been mixed along party lines. Houston Rep. Jessica Farrar told The Texas Tribune Perry’s pledge would mean a “doubling down of the devastating cuts already made to public schools, colleges and universities.”

KUT News spoke with the Tribune’s Jay Root on the announcement’s impact. “Will Perry pick the challenger over the incumbent if the challenger agrees to the pledge but the incumbent doesn’t? It could create some divisions in primaries as the May 29elections approach if they play hardball with it.”

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Governor Rick Perry to Unveil Budget Pledge From the Texas Tribune , Governor Rick Perry is focusing on the states financial future. Hell be in Houston this afternoon to talk about a budget plan. Perry will unveil a pledge hell ask politicians to sign. It promises to cut spending, keep taxes the same and set strict limits on how much government can expand. Its his first major move as governor since dropping out of the presidential race . Perry says this pledge will lead to a stronger Texas. But some state Democrats arent so sure.

Texas public school districts have an estimated 32,000 fewer employees than they may have had if the state hadnt cut more than $5 billion in public education spending during the legislative session. That includes almost 12,000 fewer teachers. The numbers are from this report released by an Austin-based school finance consulting firm. Moak, Casey & Associates recently surveyed school districts across the state. 60 participated.